Coverage from The Game

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There's nothing quite like "The Game" between Ohio State and Michigan, so the Megablog hiked to The Horseshoe to provide live updates throughout today's 109th meeting of the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

With 26 carries for 146 yards, Carlos Hyde kept the pile moving -- especially in the second half as the Buckeyes claimed a 26-21 victory in a mistake-filled affair Saturday afternoon.

4:05 p.m.: From Urban Meyer's postgame press conference: "This was a classic rivalry game. These are the most selfless guys that I've ever been around."

"We can play with anyone in America today. ... I couldn't have said that five weeks ago."

3:29 p.m.: Fourth quarter thoughts from Bill Livingston...

"Charles Barkley would call that "Turrible, just turrible." After Miller run, OSU winds up with a lost fumble by Miller on third-long. The whole sequence of plays, including a squandered timeout, was whoopee-cushion worthy.

"Ben Buchanan's punt backs up like a pitching wedge on a short par 5. Michigan ball at own 8.

"After Johnathan Hankins forces a fumble by Gardner, Buckeyes recover at Michigan 10. On their fourth trip inside the Wolverines' 25 of the half, they settle for their second FG. If Buckeyes lose, that's why they did. 26-21, 6:26 to go.

C.J. Barnett intercepts an off-line Gardner passs with 4:50 left at Michigan 48, and it becomes the Carlos Hyde show -- for 3 off a high snap that bounces away from Miller, for 13, for 6, for 5, and Michigan is out of stoppages with the clock ticking inside the last minute.

26-21, Ohio State, with the defense pitching a shutout in the second half. And 12-0."

3:19 p.m.: Gardner scrambles for 9, but tackle Michael Schofield is called for holding. First-and-20 at the Michigan 31.

Gardner avoids the rush, but throwing across his body is well short of Devin Funchess down the left sideline. On second down, Gardner is again rolling left, throwing high and wide to Drew Dileo which is picked off by C.J. Barnett at the Michigan 49.

OSU has 4:50 to burn off the clock, and immediately is called for a false start, its ninth penalty of the game.

A high snap is deflected right to Hyde, who saves the day with three yards up the middle. OSU now trying to run the clock down, Miller sweeps left for five yards to the Michigan 46. With the Wolverines having just one time out, a first down here is huge.

Hyde, the star of the game, blasts right up the middle for 13 yards to the 32. He gains six more on first down and there's little drama left. Hyde carries three Wolverines over the 16 for the first down that wraps it up. Victory formation follows as Meyer and OSU complete their perfect regular season with nowhere to go for the holidays.

Scoreboard shows a lingering shot of Michigan's Brady Hoke before the final snap. And it's over.

3:06 p.m.: Good return by Dennis Norfleet gives Michigan the ball at its 31. Put up or shut up time for an offense that has labored big time since halftime.

Gardner is late throwing to Roundtree, and Bryant nearly picks it for a TD. Another nice play by Bryant denies a completion to Gallon at the 45.

Third down ... Gardner fires a heater to Gallon for the first down at the 41.

Time out Michigan with 5:39 left with confusion on the alignment.

Ohio State 26, Michigan 21, 6:26 left in fourth quarter

2:59 p.m.: Gardner is 10-for-15 for 161, but Hoke has leaned on Robinson in the second half, with little to show for it.

With 9:18 remaining, Gardner starts the series by bouncing the ball to Gallon, and a flag is thrown -- Roby called for pass interference at the 19. Still in the I, another handoff to Smith gains not an inch.

Second down and the game turns perhaps for the final time when Nathan Williams spins Gardner around, he's blasted by Boren and Jonathan Hankins and fumbles. Travis Howard collects the ball at the 10.

Hyde gets five and OSU hurries to the line. Second down from the 5 and Hyde gets nothing. Big third down... Miller runs a QB counter to the left, has space, but a great diving tackle by Frank Clark prevents a likely score.

Basil's 25-yard field goal lengthens the lead, but keeps the Wolverines in the game with 6:26 left.

2:51 p.m.: A pair of Miller completions gain 25 yards and OSU is at midfield, still with a chance to put the game away. Hyde stopped for one on first down, then bounces outside on second down for nothing and is slow to rise, eventually jogging off the field.

Empty backfield on third down. Fastball to Devin Smith bounces away harmlessly. Buchanan's punt has backspin and is downed at the Michigan 8.

2:45 p.m.: Welcome to the game nobody wants to win. After an 8-yard completion to Gallon, Michigan -- which hasn't run well all day inside, tries Robinson, then Vincent Smith, up the middle, for a loss of two yards. Wolverines punt and Corey Brown returns to the OSU with 11:55 remaining.

Yes, these really are two of the B1G's best.

2:43 p.m.: Guiton in the game for Miller, and Michigan unsurprisingly focuses on Hyde, stopped after a yard. Miller back after the play, but OSU can't get the play off as the clock winds down and calls its second timeout of the half.

Miller scrambles left, flips ball out of bounds with no good options. Third-and-9 at the Michigan 28. Five receivers, but Miller stumbles with the ball, is hit by Jake Ryan and Courtney Avery and fumbles at the 36. Frank Clark recovers.

2:37 p.m.: Bill Livingston's thoughts from the third quarter...

"Brady Hoke goes for it on fourth-and-2 at midfield and Robinson stuffed by Shazier for 2-yard loss. Can't fault Hoke. Denard was averaging over 20 yard per carry.

Still, OSU got only an FG off the short field. That's a partial defeat today. 23-21, Buckeyes, midway through quarter.

Serious field position flips has Buckeyes starting at own 10. Hyde, having a good day, gains 15 and then. ... Braxton, we've hardly known ye today. Miller finally turns the corner on a sweep, gains 42, but, predictably, is hurt at the end. Looked like a cramp, though; 23-21, OSU, after three.

End of third quarter: Ohio State 23, Michigan 21

2:34 p.m.: Hyde gets the Bucks out of bad field position, rumbling around left end for 14 to the 25. He's been the real engine for the OSU offense. Rod Smith provides a rest, gaining four to the 29. Now it's Miller's time, as he has a convoy around the right side and gains 42 to the Michigan 30, then cramps up in his right calf.

Ohio State just looks to be one TD away from coasting the rest of the way home to a perfect season. Kenny Guiton warms up as the quarter ends.

From @PDBuckeyes: "Nice downfield blocking by Philly Brown to help spring Braxton Miller for a gain of 42."

2:28 p.m.: Given a second chance, Michigan runs the bulky Rawls wide, for one yard. Gardner back in, finds Drew Dileo for six yards to set up third-and-2 at the 30. Robinson in ... option to the right forces a pitch to Vincent Smith who is stopped for a two-yard loss.

Michigan looking like a team that is alternating QBs for little gain. Punt comes with a block in the back by OSU (sure, why not), and the drive begins at the Buckeyes 9.

2:25 p.m.: Then the Big Ten's futility of the 2012 season breaks through again on a high snap that Miller falls on for a 12-yard loss. Then Basil is wide left from 39 yards.

A major chance for the Buckeyes has just slipped away.

2:21 p.m.: Michigan's Mike Jones called for a late hit on the kickoff return ... between the failed fourth down and this penalty, it looks like the teams changed unis at half.

Gardner is dead on to a slant to Gallon, which gains 30 and without Roby's tackle goes the distance. Robinson carries up the middle, fumbles and Nathan Williams recovers at the 37. Christian Bryant's hit on the ball causes the turnover.

From @PDBuckeyes: "You take the good and the bad with Christian Bryant. Missed tackle earlier, hits Robinson and forces fumble there. Big hit right on ball."

With a chance to fully take charge, Hyde gets three on first down. Nice play by Miller to shake off Jake Ryan's hit for a nine-yard flip to Jake Stoneburner for a first down.

Hyde and Miller are now carving up the Wolverines on the edge. First down at the 13, Miller avoids two tacklers and runs to the 4. Second down ... pace quickening for OSU. Thomas Gordon sacks Miller at the 10 after a fake to Hyde. Time out Ohio State with 4:56 remaining.

From @PDBuckeyes: "Just when Braxton Miller was starting to really roll on this drive, sacked. Second time he never felt pressure from left edge of UM DL."

Ohio State 23, Michigan 21, 8:12 left in third quarter

2:12 p.m.: Attendance is 105,899, the largest ever at the Horseshoe for a Michigan game.

No punt. Michigan lines up with Robinson at QB ... Shazier breaks through the middle and beats Robinson to the line of scrimmage. A very, very high-risk decision for Michigan coach Brady Hoke.

Hyde immediately takes advantage around left end, getting good blocking for 17 yards to the Michigan 29. Miller sprints right, can't decide whether to pass or run, and eventually gets five, but could have gotten more. On second down, Hyde has a first down at the 19. The Wolverines really need to hold OSU to a field goal, or Hoke's gamble is going to be a major "thing."

Miller on the left edge loses a yard to the 20. Hyde really overpowering today, carrying four players to the 15 for third-and-6. Michigan again doesn't have anyone with a hand down at the line of scrimmage, and Miller's scramble is good for just three yards.

2:04 p.m.: After a touchback on the kickoff, Michigan opens at the 20 with Robinson at QB. Robinson targeted by defense, hands off to Vincent Smith for six. Gardner in for next play, finds Gallon on a hook at the 37, he spins for three more to the 40.

Rawls gets two to the 42, and it's Robinson again. He has always been willing to take a hit, and he charges through a tackle for six yards to the 48.

Third-and-2 from the I formation, Rawls is stopped by Boren and Roby. A waste of time for Michigan to run -- unless it's Robinson. Michigan calls first time out before the punt.

1:54 p.m.: From Bill Livingston on the busy second quarter.

"Let's see. Beyond a fumbled punt by Philly Brown, a roughing the kicker and roughing the passer penalty, and maybe somebody jumping off the turnbuckle on a Michigan guy, Ohio State couldn't have done much more to aid that go-ahead Michigan drive. 14-10, Wolverines.

"Just kidding about that turnbuckle thing. Ohio State has had the smooth cohesion of a pie fight since the opening drive -- motion penalties, roughing penalties, special teams' exploding cigar.

"Some serious slam-bang sacks of both Miller and Gardner in this quarter. Zach Boren just missiled self into Gardner, then bounced up and clapped over the smoking crater he left behind. Miller was similarly buried, without the theatrics.

"Inside running by Carlos Hyde and a 14-yard rollout throw by Miller to Philly Brown, who either did or did not break the goal-line plane before his knee was down (after
review, officials stood by TD call on the field, although I say he didn't), gave Buckeyes a 17-14 lead, 90 seconds to play.

The Buckeyes know Robinson can't throw. Doesn't matter. His second carry after the OSU score is a 67-yard TD run, with Christian Bryant and Travis Howard bouncing off Robinson as though he had been dressed in a Flubber uniform. (OK, you have to be a geezer to get the reference. Google "The Absent-Minded Professor.")

With Michigan conceding the short balls, OSU works it close enough for Drew Basil to make a 52-yarder at the gun. 21-20, Michigan. Which gets the ball to start second half."

1:45 p.m.: Question before kickoff: Would Michigan be able to get 100 yards of offense from Denard Robinson today? He has 124 rushing yards at halftime ... the rest of the Wolverines are minus-12.

Buckeyes have a 240-219 edge in yards, but six penalties -- and the muffed punt -- have haunted them in the first 30 minutes. Miller has been sharp -- 11 for 13 for 156 and a TD, but he's been sacked twice.

Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner is hugged by tight end A.J. Williams (84) after Gardner scored on a 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of Saturday's edition of The Game with Ohio State at Ohio Stadium. Jay LaPrete, Associated Press

1:38 p.m.: From @PDBuckeyes: "When the Buckeyes were missing tackles early in the year, had to wonder, what are they going to do against Denard?"

Halftime: Michigan 21, Ohio State 20

1:36 p.m.: No point in playing safe. Miller sweeps left for 17 yards to the Michigan 48 with 25 seconds left. Short flat pass to Brown gains five with 19 seconds left. Miller looks deep on second down, finds no one, and gets eight on a short flip to Hyde, who goes out at the 35.

Field goal or go deep? Miller too long for Smith at the goal line. Basil lines up a 52-yard field goal with the wind slightly against. Then OSU calls a time out as the breeze freshens with five seconds remaining.

Wind actually changes during the time out, behind Basil, and he makes it by three yards.

Michigan 21, Ohio State 17, with 0:40 left in first half

1:31 p.m.: Ninety seconds to go before half ... how aggressive will Michigan be? Robinson gets eight on a sweep left. On a sweep right, Thomas Howard and Christian Bryant both hit Robinson, but neither get him down for a 67-yard TD burst.

Didn't seem very "aggressive" ... but highly effective. It's Robinson's 91st TD for Michigan, pushing him to No. 1 in school history, ahead of Chad Henne.

1:26 p.m.: Ah, those family ties. From Urban Meyer's daughter, Nikki, after the non-call on the Michigan face-mask: @Nicki_07: "Am I the only one who saw that face mask. Like really? Get out of here refs. #cheaters"

From @PDBuckeyes: "6-play, 59-yard drive took 2:22, Ohio State on top 17-14. OSU leads in yards 210-144"

Ohio State 17, Michigan 14, 1:30 left in second quarter

1:23 p.m.: Some urgency for OSU with 3:52 left before half. Hyde blasts up the middle for 14. Second down at the M 41, Hyde again finds room between the guards for 11. Michigan flagged for offside, it's first-and-5 at the 25.

Miller avoids a big loss on option run, juking Jake Ryan off his feet for no gain. Trap play off left tackle gets Hyde to the 14, and then Miller finds Brown on a quick pass to the right flat for the score. Replay checks whether Brown's knee goes OB before he hits the pylon. It's a close one ... but the TD stands.

1:15 p.m.: OSU really struggling to have a decent series either offensively or defensively. Gardner breaks contain for four yards and a first down, and then is drilled well OB by Ryan Shazier to move Michigan to their 38. Zach Boren's sack pushes M back eight yards. After a short pass to Roundtree, Shazier redeems himself with a sack of Gardner to the 22. Without a viable running game, OSU can -- and should -- blitz a lot. Brown returns punt to OSU 41, and refs miss a facemask penalty on the Michigan tackler.

Meyer repeatedly pleading his case to official on OSU sideline.

1:06 p.m.: OSU responding nicely, with a 22-yard option run by Brown giving a first down at midfield. Some Meyer smashmouth taking place, with Hyde getting eight yards to set up third-and-2 and the 44. And there's another false start, this time by WR Michael Thomas that draws heavy boos.

Third-and-7 ... five receivers and Miller never sees Glenville's Frank Clark off the left edge, and he's blasted to the turf at the OSU 45.

Gallon fair-catches Ben Buchanan's punt at the Michigan 13.

Michigan 14, Ohio State 10, 10:42 left in second quarter

12:57 p.m.: Bradley Roby delivers a big hit on Robinson to start the quarter, but after a six-yard gain. Gardner attempts a bootleg right with Robinson in the flat, but it's well covered by OSU. On third-and-4 at the 48, Gardner gets rid of the ball just as he's hit and Gallon is wide open for a reception that goes 34 yards to the 12. But Roundtree is called for pass interference on the block.

Gardner finds TE Mike Kwiatkowski for six yards to the 19. No Robinson here, as Michigan is in a traditional I formation that gains nothing with a handoff to Thomas Rawls. May be the last "normal" run attempted today by Michigan.

Dileo is open, but can't grab Gardner's pass. Another miscue by Buckeyes, as Noah Spence called for late hit on Gardner. Robinson around the right side gains 9 to the 1. Rawls gets the first down -- barely -- inside the 1.

Gardner sneaks in for the score. So far, Michigan is more poised and taking advantage of OSU errors.

12:51 p.m.: Bill Livingston on the first quarter...

"I've heard of the Lonesome End, but this was ridiculous. Devin Smith, the deepest of three open receivers, took a 52-yard strike from Miller to set up Carlos Hyde's 3-yard scoring run. 7-0, OSU, after the first possession.

"Denard Robinson still can't be caught with a dragnet and a GPS device to plot his moves. Went 20 yard on his first touch and made a small gem of a pitchout from nominal QB Devin Gardner.

"Adolphus Washington's strip sack stopped first M drive, but Gardner nailed an open Ray Roundtree, who followed a screening blocker for 75 yards and the equalizer. 7-7. Missed tackles and oopsies on coverage won't suffice today.

"Jim Tressel, wearing Ohio State letterman jacket and not a tattoo, was hoisted up on shoulders of 2002 team and given a ride into the end zone after the quarter ended. Response was huge cheers."

12:48 p.m.: From @PDBuckeyes: "2002 team walking on field with arms locked, Tressel at the center of it." As champs are recognized, Jim Tressel is lifted onto their shoulders and gets a little circle of the north end zone. Most players in scarlet letterjackets.

Gardner at QB, finds Roundtree for 12 yards on another broken tackle to the Michigan 42. Quarter ends.

Ohio State 10, Michigan 7, 0:37 remaining in first quarter

12:40 p.m.: From @LivyPD: "Nobody OSU has played punishes the air tackle the way Michigan does."

OSU gets a quick first down on a Miller pass to Smith at the 40. Miller's option run is stuffed in the middle of the line. Miller shakes free of Frank Clark and gains five. On third-and-5, a nicely set-up bubble screen to Corey Brown gains 15 to the Michigan 40. Nice blocking by the receivers help get the yardage.

But Miller fumbles on the next play, forced by Jake Ryan, and loses eight when Hyde covers the ball. QB draw gains four to the 43 for third and long. Trips left for the Buckeyes, and Miller finds Brown open in a very loose Michigan zone -- eight men back -- for a first down at the 24. OSU tries to go fast on first down, and is flagged for a false start.

Hyde gains 10 on a quick screen right, but Corey Brown tackles Ryan for a penalty that attracts multiple flags. First and 25 at the 39. Evan Spencer gains nine on a rollout pass from Miller. Another false start -- called on tackle Marcus Hall but Hyde was also moving -- makes it second-and 21 at the 35.

Hyde's block on Brown's crossing route gains 11 and gives OSU another chance to convert on third-and-10. Michigan stands up seven at the line of scrimmage and Miller throws it away after all receivers are covered.

From 41 yards, Drew Basil delivers to cap a very event-filled drive.

Ohio State 7, Michigan 7, 7:10 left in first quarter

12:27 p.m.: First deep pass by Gardner for Gallon is long ... C.J. Barnett had his hand on Gallon's shoulder pad, but no call. Robinson hands to Vincent Smith on the zone read for eight yards -- can Michigan generate any real rushing game with anyone other than Robinson? Gardner in on third-and-2, rolls right and finds Ray Roundtree totally alone 25 yards down field and Roundtree breaks Barnett's tackle for a 75-yard score.

Both secondaries have been slapped in the face ... who responds best the rest of the way?

12:22 p.m.: Big chance for OSU to take all the early momentum. On third-and-3 at the 40, Miller scrambles and slips down for an 18-yard loss. Jibreel Black gets the gift sack. A block in the back by Michigan after on the punt pushes Wolverines back to their 17 as we have a TV timeout.

12:18 p.m.: From @PDBuckeyes: "For an Ohio State team that has struggled in the first quarter, that's the perfect start. Hyde, deep ball, Hyde, touchdown."

Not so perfect on the kickoff, which sails out of bounds and gives Michigan the ball at its 35. Denard Robinson starts at QB, breaks Michael Bennett's tackle behind the line of scrimmage and gains 30 up the right side. In comes Gardner, who finds Jeremy Gallon on play action to the 28 for seven yards.

Robinson, lined up equal with Gardner, dekes a pair of Buckeyes to get the first down at the 24. After a short completion to Gallon, Gardner misses Gallon, who's open at the sideline at the 8. First big third down. Adolphus Washington beats his man around the right side of the line, strips Gardner and the fumble is recovered by Zach Boren at the OSU 33.

Ohio State 7, Michigan 0, 12:41 left in first quarter

12:12 p.m.: No surprises early, as Carlos Hyde gains seven up the middle, not much on second down but breaks two tackles for seven yards and a first down at the OSU 40.

Time for the first play-action ... and Miller finds Devin Smith behind J.T. Smith for 52 yards to the 8. Two plays later, Hyde bangs through over the left side for a sensational OSU start.

12:08 p.m.: Michigan wins the toss, defers to the second half. OSU to receive the opening kickoff in the north end zone.

Kickoff sails through the end zone, and we're off and running.

12:05 p.m.: Michigan patiently waits before heading to the east sidelines.

OSU announces that Simon's injury is to his right knee, suffered during last week's Wisconsin game. From @LivyPD: "Simon missing his last game of career after being a leader all year. Sad moment. Meyer met him as he walked slowly from tunnel."

11:59 a.m.: From @LivyPD: "I know big bucks are at stake, but I wish Ohio State would wear traditional uniforms for this game of all games."

Another opinion: These unis do reflect the look of the 1960s Bucks, with the primarily gray numbers and black nameplate. But binoculars are helpful in figuring out the 5's from the 6's and the 8's from the 9's.

As Simon is introduced last, he walks slowly down the lane of band members, with Meyer coming halfway to greet him. The cheers are sincere, but muted, clearly with some disappointment.

11:57 a.m.: Buckeyes take the field, meanwhile ESPN reports that John Simon is out. Seniors just now being introduced. Simon is at the rear of the line, in his 54 jersey but without pads, wearing a OSU red knit cap.

11:50 a.m.: TBDBITL is booed ... for playing The Victors. Meanwhile, Jim Tressel is making the rounds ... the 2002 National Champs will be honored after the first quarter.

Script Ohio used to be a staple of TV pregame coverage ... Now we have Corso, Herbstreit and Howard talking on ESPN while the band does its legendary thing. More proof that not every change is for the better.

11:43 a.m.: The Victors gets a hearty round of boos. With 25 minutes before kickoff, we're probably 80 percent full. Most of the Maize and Blue fans are in the northern upper deck. Fans boo the Michigan band leaving the field ... consistency!

There are rivalries where only the football matters. Here, the battle starts from the first drum beat.

11:39 a.m.: From ‏@PDBuckeyes: "Michael Bennett taking John Simon's spot with first-team DL during warmups." Doesn't mean Simon can't play ... but if you're dealing with an injury, wouldn't you go through some public loosening of the muscles?

Buckeyes leave field, Michigan band begins the pregame.

11:36 a.m.: Wolverines leaving the field first ... Robinson, who didn't throw a pass during the "official" warmup, is skipping most of the way to the locker room. Buckeyes preparing for Senior Day ceremonies.

11:29 a.m.: From Doug (@PDBuckeyes): "Buckeyes could be in the locker room cutting off the leg of a walk-on and sewing it on to Simon's body."

11:25 a.m.: Woody would approve -- Hoke is in short sleeves during warmups. Urban Meyer is wearing a white windbreaker and white turf shoes that look like they could be on the golf course later this afternoon.

Except for the snow flurries, of course.

11:24 a.m.: A little rivalry flavor right away. Michigan is warming up in the north end of the field, and when the Wolverines emerged from their south-end lockerroom, the players had to run a sideline gauntlet of OSU linemen and linebackers. Some minor pushing and shoving ... nothing to complain about and something that made most on both sides grin a little.

11:21 a.m.: From Bill Livingston (@LivyPD): "The icy wind at the Horseshoe would probably warm the hearts of Bo and Woody, wherever they might be."

Simon wasn't seen on the field in the early warmups, and is not out of the field with the rest of the Buckeyes in full gear. Doug Lesmerises points out that he's not out there in street gear, either. So the intrigue continues.

Michigan's Robinson threw some to limber up, but was not involved on the deep out practice that Gardner and the rest of the Wolverines QBs took part in.

11:15 a.m.: Light flurries have been falling since early morning. It won't affect the game at all, but the heavy sky and fluttering flakes seem appropriate for a final Saturday of the regular season.

There is chatter that OSU defensive end John Simon may have injury issues today. From OSU blog Eleven Warriors (@11w): "Have heard from multiple sources that John Simon has a pretty bad leg injury. Seeing Urban choke up Friday has us thinking he may not play."

Doug Lesmerises learned that the injury isn't believed to be structural (bone, ligament), so Simon seems likely to give it a go.

With the two teams finishing up their warmups and two outstanding bands limbering up their brass, here's a few topics that could decide today's winner.

• How will Braxton Miller perform in the passing game? Miller's arm was seen as a weakness entering the 2011 game, but the Buckeyes' gameplan was aggressive through the air and he made several big plays -- especially to DeVier Posey. On the other hand, he also misfired a few times on potential game-turning opportunities.

From Doug Lesmerises: "You can imagine that the Buckeyes have worked a lot this week on throwing the ball down the field, and don't be surprised if they call up a deep pass on the first series. Miller had one of those earlier this year and had Devin Smith wide open for a score on the first play of the game against UAB, but he overthrew him.

"If Miller hits one of those early, the Buckeyes could be in great shape. If he's missing throws such as that, the Buckeyes could be in trouble."

• Where will Michigan run? With Fitzgerald Toussaint, the inside running game has been spotty at best for the Wolverines. Without him, sophomore Thomas Rawls and senior Vincent Smith aren't likely to find much success against Simon (assuming he plays) and Jonathan Hankins.

Even if Denard Robinson's arm was fully healthy -- and it almost certainly isn't -- it makes more sense for him to be a running option for Devin Gardner than as the QB. OSU will have to respect Robinson on all fakes ... and that's about the only way Michigan can make the play-action scheme believable.

If Robinson can gain anywhere close to 100 yards in running and receiving, it's a good sign for the visitors.

• Who will be special? Philly Brown will have chances in the return game -- kick coverage has not been a Wolverines strength. Drew Basil has hardly existed this season ... will he get some opportunities to matter today?

Freshman Dennis Norfleet hasn't had a big play in kick returns this year, but he's got the speed to break out. Kicker Brandon Gibbons was part of a horrendous kicking game in Rich Rod's last season, but it now one of the most reliable guys in the nation for three points.

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